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Minority & Veteran Farmers of the Piedmont is proud to share a new story from Charlottesville Tomorrow and the In My Humble Opinion (IMHO) Talk Show examining how Virginia cattle producers responded to one of the most significant droughts in decades. The story highlights the experiences of Virginia farmers, including Ralph Morton, a veteran farmer and MVFP leader, as they navigated feed shortages, declining hay production, and difficult management decisions while working to k

Charlottesville, VA – The Minority & Veteran Farmers of the Piedmont (MVFP) and Virginia Career Works – Piedmont Region (VCWP) are pleased to announce the release of the new Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Consumer Guide, a free resource designed to help consumers better understand, access, and support local food systems. Developed with input from farmers, food system partners, agricultural professionals, and community stakeholders, the guide provides practical information

Minority & Veteran Farmers of the Piedmont (MVFP) has released its 2025-2026 Annual Report, showcasing a year of growth, education, food access initiatives, and community engagement throughout the Piedmont Region of Virginia. The report highlights MVFP's continued commitment to strengthening local food systems, advancing agricultural education, supporting veterans, and creating opportunities for youth to connect with agriculture and environmental stewardship. During the repor

Earlier this year, MVFP's own Sarah Morton had the honor of serving as a keynote speaker at the Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference, joining women leaders from across the country to discuss the future of agriculture, food systems, and rural communities. A third-generation farmer from Central Virginia, Sarah shared her experiences supporting local producers, advancing food equity, and creating opportunities for the next generation of agricultural leaders. From helping lau

The Virginia Food Systems Resilience Report summarizes findings from statewide listening sessions and stakeholder engagement focused on strengthening Virginia's food system. The report highlights challenges, opportunities, and recommendations related to farm viability, food access, local supply chains, workforce development, and community resilience. ​ LEARN MORE: Read the Executive Summary [pdf] Read the full report [pdf] Virginia Food Systems Resilience Project website Join

MVFP volunteers recently joined Vacation Bible School at Shiloh Baptist Church in Bowling Green, Virginia, to share hands-on agricultural experiences with youth and adults. Participants had the opportunity to interact with farm animals, learn about animal science, and explore the important role agriculture plays in our daily lives. One of the highlights of the event was the opportunity for attendees to meet and interact with animals up close, creating meaningful learning expe

VALOR alumna Sarah (Jewell) Morton and program participants at the Carver Center. On May 22, the Minority & Veteran Farmers of the Piedmont (MVFP) had the privilege of supporting the final full site-based seminar for VALOR Class VII (Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results) before their upcoming graduation this July. MVFP's own Sarah (Jewell) Morton is an VALOR alumna. This culminating experience brought fellows to the Piedmont region for a day of learning, reflection,

In recognition of Sheila Jackson’s service to Minority and Veteran Farmers of the Piedmont: With gratitude for her service 💚 Sheila Jackson at the Virginia Agribusiness Council's 54th Annual Legislative Appreciation Banquet on January 15, 2026. As Sheila Jackson concludes her time as Garden Coordinator with MVFP, we want to thank her for the care, wisdom, and leadership she shared with our community. Her impact will continue to be felt in the gardens she helped grow and the

Members of the Minority & Veteran Farmers of the Piedmont attended the Virginia Agribusiness Council's 54th Annual Legislative Appreciation Banquet on January 15, 2026, at The Shed at Main Street Station in Richmond. More than 1,000 agriculture and forestry leaders packed the sold-out event, making it one of the biggest gatherings of Virginia's farming community all year. Governor-Elect Abigail Spanberger and other state leaders were there, giving farmers a chance to talk d